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20 Nov 24. Anduril Industries Awarded $200m Contract to Develop CUAS for the MADIS. Anduril has been awarded a $200m, five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to develop and deliver a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Engagement System (CES) for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The MADIS CES Program of Record will provide cutting-edge, expeditionary CUAS capabilities to protect the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) from evolving air threats. The MADIS CES is part of a block upgrade program for the Marine Corps’ major expeditionary counter-drone system, designed to enhance lethality and ensure Marines are equipped with the latest CUAS technology to defend against rapidly evolving threats. Anduril’s CES will include Anvil, an autonomous, low-collateral kinetic interceptor specifically designed to defeat Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats. Anvil uses advanced onboard computing and sensors to maintain target lock and perform precise terminal guidance, ensuring high-probability defeats in dynamic environments. The CES system will also be powered by Lattice, Anduril’s advanced, open command-and-control operating system that integrates sensor fusion, computer vision, edge computing, decision aids, and artificial intelligence to streamline decision-making in high-tempo threat environments. This modular, open-architecture approach allows the MADIS CES to continuously integrate new capabilities, ensuring Marines remain protected against emerging threats. The “software-first” philosophy enables rapid upgrades, improving the system’s effectiveness as new technologies become available.
“This contract represents a significant milestone in Anduril’s partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Chris Brose, Chief Strategy Officer at Anduril Industries. “By leveraging advanced AI and autonomy, Anduril’s CES will provide the Marines with a robust and scalable solution to counter evolving drone threats, ensuring greater protection and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.”
The CES will provide lethality improvements for MADIS, enabling it to defeat the full spectrum of air threats, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft. The system will also support continuous Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), allowing the Marine Corps to rapidly integrate new capabilities and maintain a technological edge over adversaries.
Anduril has a proven track record of delivering CUAS solutions to the Marine Corps. The company has already deployed fixed-site Sentry Towers at Marine Corps installations across the U.S., providing autonomous solutions for detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating Groups 1 and 2 UAS threats. Lessons learned from these fixed-site deployments have informed the development of the MADIS CES, which will be deployed to support Marines operating at the forward edge of the battlefield.
“Anduril is committed to delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions to protect our service members from the most pressing threats,” added Pat Morris, VP of Air Defense. “We are proud to support the Marine Corps in this vital mission and look forward to continued collaboration in delivering critical capabilities to the warfighter.”
Through this contract, Anduril will continue to support the Marine Corps in its mission to enhance situational awareness and ensure robust air defense capabilities. With a vision of fully integrated air defense systems, Anduril will continue to develop solutions that work together to protect the MAGTF from current and future threats. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Nov 24. US Army Contracts ANELLO Photonics to Demo GPS-Denied Navigation Technology. The Phase II SBIR award enables ANELLO to showcase to the U.S. Army its cutting-edge integrated silicon photonics technology together with its products using the ANELLO AI-based sensor fusion engine.
ANELLO Photonics, the creator of the SiPhOG and a provider of cutting-edge integrated silicon photonics solutions for navigation in GPS-denied environments, has been awarded a Phase II SBIR contract for the U.S. Army.
During the eighteen-month period, ANELLO will demonstrate the capabilities of its innovative silicon photonics optical gyroscope technology and sensor fusion technology for navigation in environments without GPS.
The Phase II SBIR award enables ANELLO to showcase to the U.S. Army its cutting-edge integrated silicon photonics technology together with its products using the ANELLO AI-based sensor fusion engine. This will ensure that the U.S. Army platforms can maintain high-accuracy navigation in challenging GPS-denied situations.
Mario Paniccia, CEO of ANELLO Photonics, said; “We are excited to work with the U.S. Army and provide them access to our innovative and cutting-edge SiPhOG technology.
“Within this program, the U.S. Army can directly evaluate and experience first-hand the benefits of the ANELLO products for navigation in GPS-denied or contested environments.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
21 Nov 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense to Deliver New Airborne Surveillance Systems to NL EASP AIR for Maritime Search & Rescue Operations.
- Newly introduced UltraFORCE 380X-HDc is ITAR-free and provides high-definition day/night imagery in a compact package;
- NL EASP AIR will use technology to support maritime patrol and SAR missions for European Union member states
Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has announced that it will be delivering its UltraFORCE® 380X-HDc multi-spectral imaging systems to NL EASP AIR, the first sale of Teledyne FLIR’s newly launched surveillance gimbal specially designed for customers outside the United States.
NL EASP AIR will install the systems on their three fixed-wing Dornier DO328-110 multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. The company will deploy UltraFORCE 380X’s advanced imaging technology in support of its Search and Rescue (SAR), maritime patrol, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
First introduced in July, UltraFORCE 380X-HDc delivers superior high-definition imaging in a compact, low-profile package not subject to ITAR restrictions. Full 1080p resolution across its visual, thermal, low-light, and shortwave infrared cameras makes the UF 380X an ideal solution for airborne reconnaissance, border patrol, and other operations, day or night.
“We wanted the best long-range surveillance technology available in today’s market to support European Union member state end-users and other individual EU customers, and we are getting exactly that with Teledyne FLIR Defense,” said Pieter Voeten, CEO and Director of Operations for NL EASP AIR. “On many occasions, thermal and daylight imagery has become even more important than radar in providing us the information we need on these high-stakes missions.
“Equipped with UltraFORCE 380X, our aircraft crews will be receiving optimal real-time video from the moment they take-off until the operation is complete,” Voeten added.
“Immigration activity at sea is increasing across Europe, and NL EASP AIR serves as a valuable partner to help spot where it’s happening and save lives,” said Kety Frachey, senior director for airborne systems-Europe at FLIR Defense. “The precision imaging sensors on UltraFORCE 380X will allow operators to quickly identify and respond to border crossings as they unfold and direct resources to those at risk.
“We are pleased to see our relationship with NL EASP AIR grow over the years as we continue to innovate across our product portfolio,” Frachey added.
With its low 14.6-inch height profile and weighing only 31.3 kg (69 lbs), the UltraFORCE 380X-HDc gimbal is designed to maximize ground clearance in rotary aircraft without sacrificing capability and performance. The system provides two- to four-times greater magnification than other products in its class.
Deliveries to NL EASP AIR are expected to be completed by early 2025.
Teledyne FLIR Defense provides airborne and maritime surveillance systems and service to over 20 European countries, plus more than 70 globally.
(Source: ASD Network)
20 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that G20 Summit features comprehensive drone defence. As world leaders convene at the G20 Summit under Brazil’s presidency, a comprehensive security plan is in place to protect against potential drone threats. With a focus on sustainability, social integration and technological cooperation, the summit is held at the Museum of Modern Art, drawing high-ranking officials from over 30 nations. The Brazilian Federal Police, supported by civil and military special forces, has deployed advanced counter-UAS measures, integrating the German-made AARTOS DDS system from AARONIA AG into their security framework.
The use of drones in urban settings poses unique challenges, particularly in Rio’s complex landscape. To address these, the anti-drone command centre “Central de Monitoramento Antidrones (CMA)” has been established, incorporating the AARTOS X9 system. Four specialists from AARONIA AG are on-site to ensure smooth operations and provide expertise.
AARTOS DDS employs a multi-layered approach to drone detection, combining RF direction finding, radar and high-resolution camera systems for threat assessment. The passive RF direction finding capability of the AARTOS X9 detects key flight data, including speed, altitude and direction. It also identifies the drone’s pilot location, communication frequency, and control protocol, relaying this information in real-time while keeping detection covert.
Following RF analysis, active radar verification ensures detection of autonomous drones that do not emit radio signals. The system’s EO/IR camera enables detailed visual confirmation, assessing potential threats such as drones equipped to carry explosives or distinguishing between security concerns and benign operations by hobbyists.
The CMA’s operational range includes the summit venue, nearby sensitive areas, two international airports and hotels hosting delegates, covering nearly 40 kilometres.
Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of AARONIA GmbH Austria, expressed confidence in the summit’s security measures:
“The excellent collaboration with Brazilian security authorities allows my team and me to contribute to the safety of delegations at the highest level. The precise drone detection and our RTSA Suite PRO software provide seamless 360° monitoring. This ensures effective protection against unauthorised drone operations in such a large and topographically challenging area.”
AARTOS DDS has has been deployed to protect the summit against drone threats in the past, having featured in security systems at the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/g20-summit-features-comprehensive-drone-defence/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
20 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that Man accused of turning drone into weapon of mass destruction.
In Columbia, Tennessee, a man has been charged with federal crimes after allegedly attempting to use a drone equipped with explosives to attack an energy facility in Nashville, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Skyler Philippi, 24, is accused of planning a targeted strike on critical infrastructure as part of a larger scheme motivated by extremist ideology.
Reports indicate that Philippi initially expressed interest in mass violence when he spoke to a confidential source about his intent to commit a mass shooting at a local YMCA in June 2024. The DOJ further detailed that Philippi discussed the vulnerabilities of interstate power substations, theorising that simultaneous attacks on these facilities could cause a cascade of failures across the grid.
Recognising the limitations of previous substation attacks, Philippi reportedly shifted his plan from shooting at facilities to deploying a UAS armed with explosives. The DOJ stated that he intended to fly a drone equipped with an explosive payload into a targeted substation, believing this approach would achieve a more substantial impact.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said:
“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco added:
“As alleged in today’s charges, Skyler Philippi, a man dedicated to white supremacist ideology and the destruction of our critical infrastructure, planned to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone carrying an explosive device. Thanks to brave work by the FBI, his scheme was thwarted.”
In September 2024, Philippi conducted reconnaissance of a targeted substation alongside undercover FBI operatives. He also procured explosive materials, including black powder for pipe bombs, and discussed methods for maximising the damage. The DOJ alleges that Philippi conveyed to a confidential source, “If you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.”
On November 2, Philippi participated in a ritual that included reciting Nordic prayers and referencing Norse mythology. He reportedly declared, “This is where the New Age begins,” signalling his commitment to execute a significant act. Shortly after, he and undercover agents arrived at the operation site, where Philippi’s drone, armed with an explosive device, was prepared for deployment. Law enforcement intervened before any attack occurred, taking Philippi into custody at the scene.
Philippi has been charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
This incident highlights the increasing threat to public safety that drones pose, demonstrating how easily they can be transformed into weapons of mass destruction. Ensuring counter-drone security through UAS detection and airspace management is a key priority at many critical sites, however installing counter-UAS measures at every such site is not currently feasible.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/man-accused-of-turning-drone-into-weapon-of-mass-destruction/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
20 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that Department of Defense tests C-UAS capabilities at Falcon Peak. On October 30, the Teledyne Cerberus XL Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) was featured in a static display as part of the U.S. Northern Command’s Falcon Peak experiment. The experiment, planned since November 2023, was part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Department of Defense to respond to growing global concerns regarding drone threats.
As UAS are increasingly utilised for reconnaissance, surveillance and attacks, military installations face heightened risk. Falcon Peak aimed to put counter-drone solutions to the test in realistic scenarios, assessing how well they perform under various environmental and operational conditions.
Central to this initiative was the Teledyne Cerberus XL, a system developed by Teledyne FLIR, already known for its deployment and effectiveness in the field. In October 2023, Teledyne FLIR secured a $31m contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to supply the Cerberus XL to Ukrainian forces.
Feedback from its combat use has highlighted its capabilities, with the system proving effective at detecting, tracking and neutralising multiple sUAS threats, even under severe conditions. The system’s ability to detect up to 500 targets simultaneously has been critical in defending against complex drone swarm attacks.
The Cerberus XL combines long-range 3D radar, thermal and visual sensors and RF detection to locate aerial targets, enhancing situational awareness and defensive responses. Integrated non-kinetic countermeasures allow the system to neutralise threats at distances of up to three kilometres.
“The excellent collaboration with military and technology partners demonstrated the value of field exercises like Falcon Peak in advancing our understanding of counter-drone strategies,” said an official involved in the experiment.
The Department of Defense hopes that the insights gained will guide future adaptations to counter the evolving challenges posed by drones.
The exercise highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation, showcasing the role of advanced technology in strengthening military defences.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/department-of-defense-tests-c-uas-capabilities-at-falcon-peak/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
19 Nov 24. The Brazilian presidency of the G20 is focused on global sustainability, social integration, and technological cooperation. The summit, taking place yesterday and today in Rio de Janeiro, brings together high-ranking representatives from over 30 nations at the Museum of Modern Art. To protect against drones, the world’s most successful anti-drone system, AARTOS DDS from AARONIA AG, is being deployed.
As part of the summit, Brazilian civil and military special forces have developed a security concept to optimally protect the high-ranking participants. A significant challenge is safeguarding against illegal drones, especially due to the complex topography of the urban setting of the venue. The Brazilian Federal Police has established the anti-drone monitoring center “Central de Monitoramento Antidrones (CMA),” which is operationally supported on-site by four specialists from AARONIA AG. An AARTOS X9 is integrated into the security architecture of the summit.
The largest of the AARTOS systems is particularly suited for this demanding application. A three-tier sensor fusion is crucial here, utilizing RF direction finding, radar, and camera systems. The passive RF direction finding provides information about speed, flight direction, and altitude of the detected object through 3D direction finding. Additionally, it delivers important data such as the pilot’s location, frequency used, and drone protocol type. This information is provided in real-time without the drone pilot being aware of detection.
Following RF direction finding is radar. An active radar verifies the results of RF detection and can also detect autonomous drones that do not emit a radio signal. A high-resolution EO/IR camera enables identification of whether a drone poses an immediate threat (e.g., transporting explosives) or if it is operated by a hobbyist who has lost their way.
This triad allows the CMA to monitor sensitive areas in central Rio as well as the event venue—the Museum of Modern Art—along with Santos Dumont and Galeão international airports and hotels where participants are accommodated, covering a radius of nearly 40 kilometers.
“The excellent collaboration with Brazilian security authorities allows my team and me to contribute to the safety of delegations at the highest level,” explains Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of AARONIA GmbH Austria, a subsidiary of German AARONIA AG. “The precise drone detection and our RTSA Suite PRO software provide seamless 360° monitoring. This ensures effective protection against unauthorized drone operations in such a large and topographically challenging area.”
It is hoped that this summit will proceed without incidents involving dangerous drones, as was the case during the G20 summit in Bali in 2022, which was also protected by AARTOS. Summit participants can rest assured that they are optimally protected by Brazilian security authorities and specialists from AARONIA.
19 Nov 24. MARSS partnership with CURRENT breaking new ground. MARRS, a specialist defence technology company and global leader in CUAS security, celebrates its near five-year-long relationship with CURRENT, with its integrated systems demonstrated in a recent CUAS defeat experiment in the Middle East.
MARSS is proud to mark its ongoing strategic partnership with CURRENT from Vancouver – a world-renowned developer of electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) solutions.
This long-standing collaboration has already seen great successes within the maritime sector. CURRENT has formed the backbone of some of MARSS’ most innovative products – including NiDAR X Compact, an all-in-one package installed on superyachts to provide CUAS support – and its systems have featured prominently in some of MARSS’ most prestigious bespoke superyacht applications, along with its installation on the Combat Support Ship, Asterix, used by the Royal Canadian Navy, and showcased at DEFSEC last month.
More recently, however, MARSS has taken advantage of CURRENT’s long-range land-based EO/IR systems, featuring them in the recent Red Sands exercise, jointly organised by the US Army DEVCOM, ARCENT, and Royal Saudi Air Forces. Here – in extreme conditions at a testing ground in the Middle East – MARSS integrated CURRENT’s ruggedised, and dust and heat-resistant Night Navigator 8000 series, alongside its ground-breaking solid-state panoramic IR sensor, providing continuous 360° situational awareness.
Integrated into MARSS’ NiDAR platform, CURRENT’s products provided exemplary real-time visual data, and contributed to a uniquely successful exercise, where MARSS demonstrated its end-to-end, detection to defeat, CUAS capabilities.
Josh Harman, Vice President of Business Development with MARSS, commented of the long-standing partnership, “The requirements from EO/IR sensors, in CUAS specific applications, have greatly expanded in recent years, as a direct result of lessons learned in operation. As a lead integrator, MARSS faces additional complications in terms of bespoke client requirements, range, precision data and budget.
“CURRENT has always been an incredibly willing and able partner, helping us to design appropriate solutions in a timely manner. We are excited to further expand our relationship as we continue to deliver cutting-edge products to our clients.”
One of the standout features of this partnership is CURRENT’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. In preparation for Red Sands, CURRENT enhanced the Night Navigator cameras, adding a heat shield and additional fans to withstand extreme desert conditions. The result was a reliable and accurate operational performance, with zero downtime throughout the exercise.
Greg Menzies, President at CURRENT, said of the partnership, “MARSS’ commitment to innovation, technology-led defence solutions, and reliability for the end user, makes it our ideal partner. We are absolutely committed to helping our customers save lives and property – which is why we so enjoy working with companies that share our values – including MARSS. We look forward to taking this partnership from strength-to-strength as we work together across all domains.”
19 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that CERBAIR to Provide C-UAS Solution for New French Naval Vessels. CERBAIR, a leading French anti-drone company, announced in a press release on November 5, 2024, that it has been selected to provide a maritime version of its radio frequency detection system for the French Navy. Last year the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) ordered seven new offshore patrol vessels 2023 for the French Navy. CERBAIR has since been awarded the contract to equip these new vessels, with the company’s HYDRA system able to locate both UAS and their pilots via its advanced analysis of the radio-frequency spectrum. This upgradeable direction finder, which features signal processing algorithms, is reported by CERBAIR to be “non-emissive and undetectable” and therefore offers discreet and effective protection.
This announcement further demonstrates the importance the French Navy are placing on the protection of its maritime vessels from malicious drone use. In March this year French, US and UK forces reported the downing of dozens of Houthi drones in the Red Sea. Furthermore, in late September the French Navy organised Wildfire, a training exercise in advanced anti-drone combat. The exercise featured a number of methods for defeating maritime UAS, including the use of the weapon system of the EBRC Jaguar Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle chained to the deck of a warship to identify and down incoming drones.
Brian Girard, VP of Sales at CERBAIR, commented:
“This contract represents a major milestone for CERBAIR in our commitment to providing on-board solutions that are increasingly adapted to the operational needs of the French armed forces and their allies.”
With CERBAIR’s modular architecture enabling the HYDRA system’s sensors to be easily integrated into new vessels, or retrofitted to older ones, it is possible that the French Navy will equip existing vessels with the capability in the future. https://cuashub.com/en/content/cerbair-provides-maritime-c-uas-solution-for-french-navy/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
18 Nov 24. US Army deploys DE M-SHORAD to Iraq. The United States Army has completed a Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defence (DE M-SHORAD) deployment to Iraq. The system incorporates a 50-kilowatt RTX laser onto a Stryker vehicle, allowing it to defend against various aerial threats. The deployment followed a successful assessment during an Army Test and Evaluation Command event in June, where the system intercepted all 15 target drones. Previously, prototype systems were deployed to the US Central Command which tested the capabilities in field conditions in February. In September 2024, the US Army held a live-fire demonstration of a further DE Stryker system designed to defeat drones with multiple kinetic and non-kinetic defeat technologies. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
18 Nov 24. IronNet and Asterion collaborate on layered C-UAS technology. Cybersecurity company IronNet and Asterion, a manufacturer of counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, have formed a partnership to help protect critical infrastructure through the integration of AI-based cybersecurity and C-UAS systems. The partnership integrates IronNet’s IronDome cyber threat detection and response system with Asterion’s C-UAS detection and tracking technology to provide a layered defence framework for the protection of critical infrastructure, urban environments, and national borders. The methodology employs artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor networks to analyse patterns and anomalies across a broad range of data sources. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Nov 24. Oklahoma National Guard creates alliance of C-UAS experts. In a collaborative effort to boost defences against aerial threats, Oklahoma National Guard leaders met with with state, education and industry partners to discuss counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology at the Tulsa Tech campus on November 7. The gathering brought together representatives from defence organisations, several regional universities, tribal leaders and technology firms specialising in drone technology, to improve interoperability and standardisation in the UAS and C-UAS domains. The meeting was part of an ongoing effort to bring together leaders in the diverse space of UAS, resulting in a new group of experts dubbed the Launched Effects Alliance.
“This is really an unofficial agreement for a broad group of hyper-capable organisations to work together to solve big problems,” Col. Shane Riley, director of the Oklahoma National Guard’s Launched Effects programme said. “In these meetings I’m surrounded by PhD industry leaders, state employees and defence activity decision makers that want to move fast and solve problems.”
Riley said the participants are learning a great deal from one another. “We are focusing on the fundamental skills that soldiers, airmen and leaders will need for the next fight. Drones and robotic systems will have an immense impact on future warfare.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Nov 24. Sensor integration efforts demonstrated at CENTCOM C-UAS exercise. Anduril Industries reports the successful integration of its Lattice platform as part of US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Desert Guardian exercise at Fort Drum. Desert Guardian is part of a set of exercises intended to improve CENTCOM’s ability to detect and track drone threats. Lattice served as a third-party command and control (C2) platform, supporting experimentation efforts led by CENTCOM to identify and integrate new sensors into a unified data platform. During Desert Guardian 1.0, CENTCOM used Lattice to integrate multiple third-party sensors into a single dashboard. During the exercise, more than ten sensor teams integrated their systems into Lattice, some in real time, demonstrating how the platform can be adapted for operational use to unify air defence from detection to defeat. As part of the exercise, Lockheed Martin successfully integrated the Q-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with Lattice. The MMR pushed data to Lattice to integrate and create a common air picture. CENTCOM will soon host a second exercise at a base in the Middle East. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Nov 24. Spain certifies Wolf Avionic for BVLOS operations. The Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency has certified Wolf Avionic Group for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This certification enables Wolf to conduct flights within controlled traffic zones, with the pilot off site. Wolf uses FlytBase’s drone autonomy platform, which is deigned to enable fully remote operations from any location. In a LinkedIn post, FlytBase says the certification makes Wolf Avionic the only company in Europe able to conduct take-off and landing entirely outside the pilot’s visual range. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
15 Nov 24. US State Department bureau seeks drone detect and defeat systems. The United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is conducting market research on the current availability and technological capabilities of detect and defeat systems to address current and future threats and gaps regarding uncrewed aircraft systems. INL is interested in obtaining information on systems capable of detecting, identifying, classifying, tracking, and mitigating UAS threats. Responses are invited by November 27. A notice posted on the US government procurement portal SAM.gov states: “The Department’s Office of Global Acquisition is considering awarding IDIQs, BPAs, or similar ordering mechanisms to fulfil recurring needs and to streamline the acquisition process for detect and defeat systems and associated services. If awarded, it is anticipated that orders under these contracts/agreements will not be limited only to INL needs.” Via the procurement portal, INL has issued a preliminary list of interest areas and technologies, which includes handheld or man-portable detect and defeat systems, portable (e.g. vehicle-mounted) detect and defeat systems, fixed or static detect and defeat systems, and kinetic counter-drone systems.
“The Department is looking for companies with mature systems and manufacturing capabilities and industry leading quality standards. Companies must possess all required licences and approvals to ship (including applying for any export licence that may be required) systems overseas,” the notice states.
Companies may also be required to provide training and to perform installation, integration, testing, repairs, and similar services. This could include work overseas in remote and high threat environments. For more information: INL notice on SAM.gov (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
18 Nov 24. RoK completes long-range radar development. South Korea has completed the development of a new long-range, air-defence radar, the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on 18 November.
DAPA said the new radar has been approved as “combat ready” for use by the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF). It added that the radar’s role will be to provide non-stop, persistent surveillance across the country’s air defence identification zone.
“[The radar] is a key system for our air force … ensuring immediate air defence operations by transmitting information captured by radar to the air force’s air defence control centre in real time,” said DAPA.
It said the radar has been undergoing testing and evaluation for about 18 months after signing a system development contract with local firm LIG Nex1 in February 2021. A detailed design of the radar was completed by May 2022.
DAPA said it plans to award a contract to start production of the radar from 2026 to enable a replacement of some of the RoKAF’s existing radar systems. DAPA did not say how many radars it plans to procure.
During its evaluation phase the long-range radar was tested in an operational environment and passed a series of performance tests in extreme weather conditions as well as core component life tests and electromagnetic tests, DAPA said. The radar also underwent US identification of friend-or-foe (IFF) certification tests.
DAPA also claimed that with the completion of the development programme South Korea has become one of just a few countries in the world that can “independently manufacture and produce long-range radars”. (Source: Janes)
18 Nov 24. British soldiers are to receive high-tech rifle sights, helping them to better track and shoot the enemy in dark conditions.
- Rifle sight systems for British soldiers will upgrade night fighting capabilities.
- High-tech kit improves rifle accuracy in the dark.
- Jobs boost as contract will sustain 650 skilled jobs in North Wales.
British soldiers are to receive high-tech rifle sights, helping them to better track and shoot the enemy in dark conditions, under a new contract announced by the MOD today.
The new contract will supply up to 10,000 high performance rifle sights and is a jobs boost for North Wales, sustaining 650 jobs in St Asaph, Denbighshire.
This supports the Government’s economic growth mission and underlines defence’s contribution to growth across the UK.
The TALON Fused Weapon Sight is manufactured by defence company Qioptiq and is the most advanced sight the British Army will have used.
The sight helps with war fighting at night, as it uses the latest optical technology to detect enemy soldiers better in low light. The sight also has an advanced ability to recognise adversaries through body heat, known as thermal recognition.
The TALON sight will also provide soldiers with the ability to more accurately detect enemy targets from an increased distance up to 1 kilometre, including in the dark. They will fit seamlessly onto the Army’s SA80 A3 and HUNTER rifles.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said: “Rolling out this high-tech rifle sight shows how we’re investing in new tech for our soldiers to take the fight to our adversaries.
The rifle night sights are tried and tested, proving highly effective to keep British soldiers protected in difficult environments.
The deal is also a great jobs boost for Wales, with £120 m invested and 650 jobs sustained in the local area.”
The £120m contract continues procurement of the TALON sight, under a seven-year Framework Agreement with Qioptiq.
While some soldiers are already using the sight in tests, the first of the new sights is expected to be in use more widely across the Army next year (2025).
The Enhanced Light Force Battalion, 2 Royal YORKS based in Chester, have been tasked since 2021 with trialling the development of the cutting-edge rifle night sight systems. British soldiers got firsthand experience with the advanced rifle capability and provided glowing feedback.
Brigadier Nick Serle, Head Military Capability Delivery (MCD) in the British Army Headquarters Programmes Directorate said: “This contract results from true collaboration between the user community, our trials and development teams, Dstl, DE&S and Qioptiq. We expect the sight to continue to develop and remain truly world-leading. It is testament to the power of collaboration.”
Critical in-service support for the sights will be managed through the Surveillance and Target Acquisition support contract delivered by Excelitas, which owns Qioptiq.
Peter White, Managing Director of Excelitas, said: “We’re delighted that the British Army and DE&S continue to recognise the enhanced fighting capabilities of our TALON fused weapon sight delivers. We look forward to delivering this world-leading system for the end users for many years to come, supported by our 650 skilled employees at our facility in North Wales.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Nov 24. China displays new, upgraded long-range radars. China showcased several new long-range radars, and upgraded versions of existing long-range radars at the Airshow China 2024 exhibition held in Zhuhai from 12 to 17 November.
These radars are expected to augment the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) situational awareness (SA), and support air-defence systems.
New radars
Some of the new long-range radars unveiled at the exhibition include the 780 target designator radar, 610A intelligence radar system, and the YLC-2E multifunction radar.
The 780 and 610A are mobile radar systems. Open-source images show that these radars are displayed inside the exhibition centre, and are also part of the outdoor display of platforms arranged by the PLA, indicating that these systems are very likely already in service with the PLA.
Janes analysis of open-source images of the 780 and 610A suggest that they are active electronically scanned array (AESA) type radars.
The 780 is used in conjunction with the 610A to support the PLA Air Force’s (PLAAF’s) Hong Qi-19 (HQ-19) surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The HQ-19 was unveiled on 12 November on the opening day of the Airshow China 2024 exhibition.
An information board about the 780 radar displayed next to the system at the exhibition states that this radar is a “newly developed fourth-generation” phased-array radar for air defence and anti-missile operations. (Source: Janes)
15 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that. IronNet and Asterion to combine cybersecurity with C-UAS tech. IronNet Inc., an AI-driven cybersecurity company, and Asterion, a specialist in C-UAS technology, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at protecting critical infrastructure through a combined approach to cybersecurity and drone defence.
The partnership will see IronNet’s IronDome system, known for real-time cyber threat detection and coordinated response, integrated with Asterion’s advanced C-UAS technology. This collaboration creates a multi-layered defence strategy designed to safeguard critical infrastructure, urban spaces and national borders from unauthorised and hostile drone incursions.
Employing artificial intelligence, machine learning and a network of advanced sensors, the integrated system will detect, track and respond to drone threats proactively. By analysing patterns and identifying anomalies across diverse data sources, this approach allows for early identification and mitigation of potential threats.
Linda Zecher, CEO of IronNet, commented:
“Our partnership with Asterion represents a paradigm shift in how we approach critical infrastructure protection. By embracing the convergence of cyber and aerial threat detection and defence, governments and organisations can ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure and national interests.”
Asterion’s Founder and CTO, Andreas Mustert, reinforced the importance of addressing evolving threats:
“Together we’re creating a solution that addresses the multi-dimensional threats facing our clients today, including those originating from ground, air and space-based sources.”
While the focus remains on drone detection and defence, IronNet’s advanced AI-driven cybersecurity capabilities provide an added layer of protection, ensuring a holistic security solution that counters both physical and digital threats.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/ironnet-and-asterion-to-combine-cybersecurity-with-c-uas-tech/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Nov 24. Cuashub.com said today that Anduril showcases C2 capabilities at Desert Guardian exercise.
Anduril Industries has announced the successful integration of its Lattice command and control (C2) platform during U.S. Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Desert Guardian defence exercise. Lattice was deployed as a third-party C2 platform to facilitate experimentation and the integration of new sensors into a unified data system.
Desert Guardian is a military exercise aimed at enhancing the readiness and operational effectiveness of forces in addressing modern security challenges, particularly those related to airspace management and the threat posed by UAS. The exercise involves collaboration between military units, industry partners and government agencies to test and integrate new technologies and sensors into cohesive defence strategies. By simulating real-world conditions, Desert Guardian helps participants refine C-UAS capabilities.
During the Desert Guardian 1.0 exercise, CENTCOM utilised Lattice to merge data from multiple third-party sensors into a single dashboard. This setup aimed to provide warfighters with situational awareness of airborne threats in a simulated operational environment.
Notably, more than ten sensor teams were able to integrate their systems into Lattice, with some achieving this in real time. This rapid integration contrasted with the traditional, months-long process often associated with high-touch sensor integration efforts. The Lattice platform’s open APIs and SDK documentation enabled sensor teams to complete these integrations independently, without requiring direct support from Anduril.
By facilitating real-time data sharing, fusion, and tasking across various sensor systems during Desert Guardian, Anduril sought to demonstrate the value of a common C2 platform that can unify the end-to-end air defence process, from detection to response.
“It’s a privilege to participate in and support Desert Guardian 1.0. Central Command plays a critical role in driving modernisation efforts within the Department of Defense, and this exercise provides a vital platform for collaboration between industry, government agencies, and end-users to solve emerging challenges,” said Pat Morris, VP of Air Defence at Anduril Industries.
Anduril’s history of leveraging mesh networking technology, such as its work with 300 integrated towers along the U.S. southern border and the deployment of Ghost drones for reconnaissance, laid the groundwork for its application in more complex military environments. The Lattice platform offers an adaptable, scalable solution that integrates both legacy and third-party systems, enhancing situational awareness and supporting comprehensive battlespace management.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/anduril-showcases-c2-capabilities-at-desert-guardian-exercise/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
15 Nov 24. Allen-Vanguard collaborates with Metis Aerospace to deliver enhanced counter-drone capabilities. Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customised solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is very excited to announce a strategic collaboration with the domain knowledge experts in passive RF detection, Metis Aerospace. This collaboration has been established to leverage their respective expertise and proven products to address the growing requirement for a highly mobile counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) capability that delivers a tried and tested baseline capability to detect and defeat an increasing range of threats posed by the nefarious use of drones. Both Allen-Vanguard and Metis Aerospace will be at the Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC) on 18th-20th November 2024 at Telford International Centre, UK to discuss this collaboration and their respective range of existing products and capabilities.
Metis has extensive experience in the RF detect domain, with several products that are already the cornerstone of many larger protection systems across a wide range of sectors. For over 10 years, they have been at the forefront of C-UAS detection capability development, advising the MoD and receiving research funding to develop their innovative technologies, such as SKYPERION. Allen-Vanguard is equally an operationally proven subject matter expert in defeating RF threats, including cutting-edge counter-drone solutions, like ANCILE, that are used by militaries, security forces and NGOs globally to protect their personnel and key assets.
In an era where drone technology is rapidly evolving, and how drones are being employed on the battlefield is going through an unprecedented revolution, the Allen-Vanguard and Metis collaboration combines their respective ground-breaking and innovative technologies to provide the necessary expertise, agility and technology to properly mitigate this threat. The operationally proven ingenuity and agility of both companies can be brought to bear on the key subset of the C-UAS market that is demanding increased manoeuvrability and effectiveness at a practical price point. In addition, both companies have built an excellent reputation for enduring customer support to ensure deployed systems are maintained with the latest detection and defeat waveforms as the RF battlespace evolves.
Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis Aerospace said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Allen-Vanguard to develop this capability that we see meets a growing market demand. It makes perfect sense for us to work together and exploit our expertise in the detect function and then fully synchronise and integrate with an Allen-Vanguard defeat capability. This combination will be a real protection benefit for all our customers.”
Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard said: “I am delighted to announce this collaboration with Metis that, as fellow SME domain knowledge experts, perfectly complements our own portfolio of products. The ability to combine the detect and defeat functions into one capability will undoubtedly deliver enhanced C-UAS capabilities to better counter modern hostile drone operations.” He added, “We are also pursuing a number of qualified opportunities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe from users who have reached out, seeking a cost-effective and efficient system for a baseline, mobile C-UAS capability. The strength of Metis’ portfolio of offerings also has applicability to domestic and international requirements outside the scope of C-UAS and we’re actively engaged in exploring these exciting opportunities”
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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